Bankruptcy - An Overview

Call (888) 351-0847 to speak with a bankruptcy attorney.

Bankruptcy can be defined as the legal inability to pay debts or if you have already legally declared bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a common occurrence in the United States as thousands of individuals and businesses each year find themselves in an impossible financial situation that is believed to be inescapable. Bankruptcy did not exist in ancient Greece, and if a person could not pay his debts they were forced into "debt slavery." Bankruptcy today exists for a reason, and that is to protect individuals from some of the harms of being financially in debt.

Bankruptcy protection may be the answer these individuals or businesses are looking for to get debt relief – but is it the best answer?

In most cases bankruptcy is initiated by a debtor, though sometimes it can be filed as a bankruptcy petition by the creditor against the debtor so they can try to get a portion of what they are owed or to restructure the amount of debt.

Obtaining bankruptcy protection can be a confusing, even grueling process, and because bankruptcy laws can be complicated due to the many different types of bankruptcy, you should consult a bankruptcy lawyer to help you with your case. If you are absolutely at the end of your rope and bankruptcy seems like the only answer, a bankruptcy attorney will verify if it is the right choice. It is especially imperative to hire an attorney if you own a business or have assets.

A bankruptcy lawyer will know the ins and outs of the legal system, and they will be able to discuss the different types of bankruptcy and advise you on which one is best for you. Keep in mind that there are several types of bankruptcy including Chapters 7, 9, 11, 12, 13. Married couples tend to utilize Chapter 7 and businesses typically utilize Chapter 7 and 11. A lawyer can help you decide which route will be best for you, and they should be able to answer any question you may have to help you understand the bankruptcy process.

Once a bankruptcy lawyer has explained your options, they will oversee your case. In some situations, the individual or business will go before a judge and negotiate a payment plan. They will receive a partial or full discharge of their debt. Keep in mind there although this scenario may sound appeal, it carries with it some very negative consequences. Your insurance premiums will be higher, and your interest rates will be raised. Furthermore, certain personal possessions, such as your home or car, may have to be sold off to settle your debts.

If you file for bankruptcy, your debts will be discharged, but your credit will be ruined, most times up to 10 years. A bankruptcy lawyer will explain the risks to you as well as offer other possible alternatives to bankruptcy. Keep in mind that a bankruptcy lawyer will have extensive knowledge about debt management. It is also important to not hire the attorney whose fees are the lowest, because their substandard or haphazard practice may cost you more in the long run. Checking with your local bar association can help you discern what is an appropriate fee for a bankruptcy attorney.

A bankruptcy attorney can help you in more ways than financially; they can also give you invaluable advice. They have gone through the process countless times with others who are in about the same boat with their financial problems, and while they aren\\\'t psychologists, they most likely will know how to handle certain situations and can give you advice or tips about how to start over and move past the emotional difficulties of bankruptcy. Without a bankruptcy lawyer, the emotional strain of dealing with bankruptcy alone and stress of trying to understand bankruptcy laws can leave one worse for the wear, whereas a lawyer can shoulder some of the burden for you.

If you are ready to contact a bankruptcy lawyer to explore your options for debt relief, visit the American Bar Association (ABA) website. The ABA features a lawyer locator, which allows the user to search bankruptcy lawyer profiles in your local area. Access to the site and profiles is free.

It\\\'s important to find a bankruptcy lawyer that you feel comfortable with, one who you trust to do their job reliably and efficiently. The benefits of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer as opposed to trying to go through the process alone are many, as these are people who want to help you when you may be feeling lost, isolated, and confused.

Legal•Info State Bankruptcy Information

Legal•Info State Resources

Find legal information and lawyers that specialize in Bankruptcy by state:

Disclaimer

The information provided on LegalInfo.com is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for individual advice regarding your legal issue. The entry of your information into the Free Case Evaluation form on this website does not create or form an attorney-client relationship or confidential relationship. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms and Conditions.